This modem model is the first offered by Sympatico that can automatically authenticate (log in) to the service for you. When configured to do this, the modem is in router mode. By default, the modem comes to you configured in router mode.

This modem can also be configured in bridge mode. In bridge mode, the modem does not perform authentication. You need to configure your operating system to connect for you (through Access Manager, RASPPPoE, or Windows XP), or use a broadband router to perform the authentication duties. There is a button available from the modem configuration menu that will put the modem into bridged mode so it will function properly with your home router.

To access the web interface, connect the modem directly to your computer (bypassing your router if you have one), release and renew your IP, then access the modem from »192.168.2.1 in your web browser. From there you can set up your B1 username and password for your account for router mode, or press the button on that screen to change it into bridged mode.

If you ever have to deal with Bell tech support on a line connection issue, you will need to reset the modem to router mode with a reset button on the bottom of the modem, so they can troubleshoot the default configuration.

There are problems with some versions of the Speedstream 5200 modem. The main symptom experienced is not being able to surf the web, requiring a power-cycle of the modem (several times each week or even several times a day) to re-obtain a good connection.

Sympatico has released a firmware update for some versions of the 5200 to address this issue. If it says "no update required" then it means your modem doesn't need this update. Get it HERE

Feedback received on this FAQ entry:

I hook up directly to the Speedstream modem and can get to the WEB page at 192.168.2.1 however when I start up the firmware exe it just shows "searching for device" ..I waited over 5 min. I tried both connected and disconected to the internet..Can any one help? BTW great informaiton ...thanks for putting this together

Your settings should look as they are above. DNS servers are assigned automatically by Sympaticos servers. If you do not have Sympatico, your DNS servers can be found in ipconfig /all under PPP Adapter

2) Creating an ARP Table:

Go into DOS / Command Prompt and type: arp -s 10.0.0.1 MODEM_MAC_GOES_HEREMake sure to type the MAC address in this format: XX-XX-XX-XX-XX-XXType arp -a [displays] to verify, or arp -d [deletes current entries] if you need to correct something.

The modem MAC address can be found underneath the modem as shown above.

3) You're done! Just go to http://10.0.0.1/ and you'll be able to configure/view things from there.

*Note that you'll have to re-do an ARP table entry each reboot.The older Bell firmwares are crippled. Look into 3rd party firmware if you want to see what the modem is really capable of.

1. Make sure that you set your IP address to 10.0.0.2 and your subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 and default gateway to 10.0.0.1.2. Start a DOS prompt or Command prompt.3. OPTIONAL: Type arp -s 10.0.0.1 MAC Address (the MAC address is printed on the bottom of your modem)4. Type telnet 10.0.0.15. Login is bcadmin and password is bcadmin6. Once you are logged in issue the following command: show dsl stat

--- ATU-R Physical Layer Info Current SNR Margin - 15.0 This is a measure (in dB) of how good your data signal is relative to the noise on the line. This should be a high number and in any case no lower than around 6 dB. If it's low you could find the modem gets data errors or even sync problems. Current Attenuation - 30.0 Measures (in dB) how much signal loss there is on the line - this should be a low number and in any case should be no more than around 60-65 dB. Current Status: No defects detected No loss of framing detected No loss of signal detected No loss of power detected No loss of signal quality detected

--- ATU-R Line Status Line Coding - DMT Line Type - Fast If this line says "Fast", you are on fastpath. Otherwise your line is interleaved. Actual ADSL Mode - G.DMT Requested ADSL Mode - Multi

In the above sample results, the line potential is not revealed to the end user. However, we can examine the SNR Margin and Attenuation numbers. In this case, the SNR margin is 15, which is much greater than the minimum of 6, and the Attenuation is 30, which is much lower than the maximum of 60-65. Therefore, this line would likely qualify for a speed upgrade. How much of an increase is possible cannot be known from this data, but these numbers are good indicators.

Any idea why this doesn't seem to work for 2 of my friends' modems?
I've unlocked a dozen of these before, but these 2 just bring me back
to main user page with 3 side buttons, like locked version. Firmware and
revision numbers of modem triple-checked. I'm a tech. with 15 years experience,
so no dumb mistakes made.